What should have died along with communism is the belief that modern societies can be run on a single principle, whether that of planning under the general will or that of free-market allocations.
Charles TaylorWe become full human agents, capable of understanding ourselves, and hence of defining our identity, through our acquisition of rich human languages of expression.
Charles TaylorLittle countries do not have this luxury of defending themselves. We have to do it before the fact, not after the fact
Charles TaylorThere is a widespread sense of loss here, if not always of God, then at least of meaning.
Charles TaylorThere is a certain way of being human that is my way. I am called upon to live my life in this way, and not in imitation of anyone else's life. But this notion gives a new importance to being true to myself. If I am not, I miss the point of my life; I miss what being human is for me.
Charles TaylorTo know who I am is a species of knowing where I stand. My identity is defined by the commitments and identifications which provide the frame or horizon within which I can try to determine from case to case what is good, or valuable, or what ought to be done, or what I endorse or oppose. In other words, it is the horizon within which I am capable of taking a stand.
Charles Taylor